YES…

If you’ve been wondering how to get your prospects to say “YES”, today’s video is EXACTLY what you need to watch.

But fair warning….

Some cleaning business owners will not like it…

Simply because it talks about the fact that having the “best cleaning skills” in town, is slowly becoming LESS (and less) of a factor in cleaning business’ success…

And, many owners who obsess over their “cleaning skills”…

…but neglect their PEOPLE skills…

…simply won’t agree.

Which is great!

(For the rest of us ;-))

It’s another video that I created for what I call the “new-age” Cleaning Business Owner (CBO) Entrepreneur…

The CBO’s who represent what I believe to be the “change makers” in the Cleaning industry today…

The ones who recognize that FINALLY (“AT LAST!”), the cleaning business is moving towards a place where the smaller, “under-dog” CBO’s can WIN by offering a better quality of customer service and REAL care….

….AND by understanding that people buy from people they know, like and TRUST.

Look, you need great cleaning staff, – of course you do – but these days, people want more…

In the 21st century, they expect more.

So, you gotta’ give them more to make them happy.

Makes sense, don’t you think??

So, go and check out today’s video, and discover How To Get Your Prospects To Say “Yes” & be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, give me a thumbs up and please leave me a comment – I read and reply to every comment, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this important subject…

Would You Like Me To Help You Grow Your Business?

Best-selling author, speaker, business coach, Infusionsoft Ultimate Marketer and Small Business ICON Award Winner, – Lisa Macqueen knows how to use strong management skills, smart marketing strategies, systems and Infusionsoft automation to help cleaning business owners around the world succeed.

As a cleaning business owner herself, Lisa took her husbands’ ‘average’ cleaning company and turned it into a multi-million dollar international empire in a little over 2 years, and is now in hot demand as a cleaning business coach, speaker, and mentor.

Lisa was recently named as one of “America’s Premier Experts” and appeared on the Brian Tracy Show on CBS and NBC & FOX Affiliates in the US, and also co-authored a book with Brian Tracy, Power Principles for Success which reached best-seller status in two Amazon.com categories.

While many people frequently call her the “Queen of Cleaning” and the “Automation Queen” she will be the first to say that what she really helps cleaning business owners with, is teaching them how to run a cleaning business with a combination of tough love, great systems and strong marketing strategies that actually work for cleaning businesses…

If you’re serious about your cleaning business and would like to get to the next level, Lisa can help you get there.

How on earth are you supposed to market your cleaning business online if your website like a ‘ghost town’…. ?

Tumbleweeds instead of prospects?

You literally can’t remember the last time you received a lead from your website – and instead, you spend a fortune in either your time, or $$ trying to drive sales for your cleaning business by cold calling or telemarketing…

It’s exhausting….

Believe it or not, a few simple ‘tweaks’ could be the difference between your prospects landing on your page and staying to find out more, or clicking away in a hurry because it looks like your site was designed in the 90’s…

Your prospects “live” online – and if you’re not there – you’re no-where and you don’t exist as far as they are concerned… (Want to know more – check out my “Meet The Millennials” blog post here).

Not great if you’re wanting to keep winning new clients for your cleaning business…

In today’s video, I share 3 really simple strategies for improving your website. Go check it out by clicking on the image below, and let me know what you think in the comments..

Would You Like Me To Help You?

Best-selling author, Ultimate Marketer and Small Business ICON Award Winner, Lisa Macqueen knows how to use strong management skills, smart marketing strategies, systems and automation to help cleaning business owners around the world succeed.

With over 22 years as a cleaning business owner herself, and growing to a multi 7 figure cleaning business and experiencing tremendous success, her mission continues. Lisa took her husbands’ ‘average’ office cleaning company and turned it into a multi-million dollar international empire in a little over 2 years, and is now in hot demand as a cleaning business coach, speaker, and mentor.

Lisa was recently named as one of “America’s Premier Experts” and appeared on the Brian Tracy Show on CBS and NBC & FOX Affiliates in the US, and also co-authored a book with Brian Tracy, Power Principles for Success which reached best-seller status in two Amazon.com categories.

While many people frequently call her the “Queen of Cleaning” she will be the first to say that what she really helps cleaning business owners with, is teaching them how to run a cleaning business with a combination of tough love, great systems and strong marketing strategies that actually work for cleaning businesses…

So, you’ve landed a new cleaning client, they’ve signed the paperwork, and everyone’s ready to start that lovely new cleaning job. Are you missing one crucial piece of the sales puzzle? Do you know how to onboard new cleaning clients for a more profitable cleaning business?

Why Is Good On-Boarding So Important?

In the cleaning industry, having a solid process for new customer on-boarding, is absolutely essential.

It’s how you take a visitor on their journey from your websites’ home page, through to signing up for your services, delivering with the “wow” factor on the first clean, and, continuing to add value to their lives at every service.

Because, when you do THIS right, it can help you keep your clients longer.

In today’s video, I’m sharing 7 on-boarding best practices that will get your relationship with your new client off on the right foot. With these tips, you’ll learn how to deliver value early, and retain your new client profitably for years to come. To view, click the image below..

What are the benefits of client on-boarding?

Imagine this: you’re talking to a prospective new client. You do everything right – you listen to their needs, build rapport, and build trust. Then, you present your proposal and close the deal.

So far, so good right?

Then comes the time to get their job started, and so you send them an email:

“Dear David,

Thanks for choosing ABC Cleaning company and signing our contract! I’d like to introduce you to Amanda who is now in charge of your account.

She’ll take care of you from here on ok? All the best,”

Imagine how David feels now? A little like he’s been brushed by you and then pushed onto someone new who he doesn’t know or trust. He has no idea what to expect from this new person, and all of a sudden, he’s lost confidence in your cleaning business, and you haven’t even started the job yet! He’s off to a less-than-stellar start with your company (which is not a good start for you or him..)

Here’s what a good client on-boarding process can do:

How Do You Welcome New Clients Into Your Cleaning Business?

Removes confusion or doubts. Your clients know exactly what’s happening. What they’re getting (because you have provided them with a detailed specification). They know who they’ll be liaising with in your Company, they understand how it will all come together when you begin the job, and they know that you know, what their expectations are.

New Clients Who Are Happy With Their Cleaning Services

Builds trust. The more a client trusts you, the less likely they are to micromanage every detail of their cleaning service agreement with your company.

Removes buyer’s remorse. They will feel cared for, appreciated and understood. They won’t be second guessing themselves wondering if they should have gone with ‘the other guys’. instead, they’ll be happier with their decision to hire your cleaning company. This can only increase retention and referrals.

Establishes the benchmark. Ask your client, “Tell me in one sentence, what does success with your cleaning service look like – how will you know that we’re doing a great job?” This question really helps to identify key areas that they pay attention to, and it shows your new client that your business is ‘tuned in’ to excellence..

If so, you’ll need to introduce your clients to these tools so that they understand how to use them (if applicable). With the CRM system, it’s imperative that your clients understand that this is how you will communicate with them electronically, and so it is vital they don’t unsubscribe to your emails.

Now that you know how important it is to onboard new cleaning clients, click here to watch the video and learn how to bring on new clients – the right way.

Tell me how you on-board new clients into your cleaning business…

Share as much detail as possible in your reply. Thousands of incredible cleaning business owners come here for insight and inspiration and your words may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to move ahead in their business journey..

Important: share your thoughts and ideas directly in the comments. (Links to other posts, videos, etc. will be deleted as they come across as spammy).

👍 Like if you agree, comment below and share this with someone to help them achieve their cleaning business goals.

TODAY’S QUOTE:

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility”. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Ah, customers. For some of us in the cleaning industry, attracting new customers is what we do day in and day out. For others the fear of trying to attract new customers can feel SO big and SO crushing that it shuts us down completely from actually doing any prospecting at all.

Prospecting, whether by direct mail, telephone, cold calling – whatever your preferred method is, can be time consuming and battering to the ego…

No-one, likes to be told ‘no’ all day long…

Sometimes the things we want to do the least, we need to do the most

Here’s the thing though, we often give up WAY too early. According to Forrester Research, “Companies that nurture leads make 50% more sales at a cost 33% lower than non-nurtured leads.”

If you’ve been part of the Cleaning Marketer community for any length of time, you’ll know that we regularly discuss follow up and how important it is to growing a cleaning business. If you’re new here, welcome, you can check out past blogs on this subject here and here, or head on over to the Cleaning Marketer Blog to check out our other articles.

In today’s video, you’ll learn a great new way to re-engage with your prospects who may have gone a little, shall we say, stale? These prospects you may have followed up a couple of times, and for whatever reason, you didn’t hear back.

You’re going to love this tip…and it will literally take you just minutes to action in your cleaning business.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Reply in the comments below.

How do you personally keep in touch with your prospects – what works well for your cleaning business?

Share as much detail as possible in your reply. Thousands of incredible cleaning business owners come here for insight and inspiration and your words may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to move ahead in their business journey..

Important: share your thoughts and ideas directly in the comments. Links to other posts, videos, etc. will be deleted as they come across as spammy.

Cleaning isn’t just cleaning. It’s a thriving business full of dedicated and hardworking business owners and entrepreneurs who see the value in investing in their own education, and offering 21st century solutions to their customers.

“To anyone that ever told you you’re no good … They’re no better”. Hayley Williams

If you’re heading to the ISSA Cleaning and Hygiene Expo in Melbourne (9-10 May 2017), make sure you don’t miss my special keynote address “How to Turn Your Cleaning Business Into A Success Story” from 12pm-1pm on Wednesday 10th May where I’ll be sharing information on:

EXACTLY how beat the ‘big boys’ to new customers, EVEN IF you have a tiny fraction of their marketing budget.

A completely new way to think about getting clients — along with a proven framework that will blow your mind… and explode your income!

I’ll also be revealing my most powerful 5-step “sales funnel“ to win lucrative clients. I’ve spent years perfecting it. I’m handing it over to you on a silver platter! Simple strategies for eliminating staffing headaches. How to attract the right staff who are a good cultural fit for your business.

PLUS, there will Q&A at the end so you can ask me anything about sales, marketing, staffing or business operations…

It’s completely FREE to attend, and after the session you will walk away with some great new ideas on strategies you can easily implement RIGHT NOW into your cleaning business so you can stop chasing prospects and start landing clients sooner.

It’s one of my favorite things to do… Attend cleaning industry events – either conferences or exhibitions and literally surround myself with people who are passionate about the same things as me – entrepreneurship, marketing, their businesses and of course, cleaning..

As far as I’m concerned, attending industry events are a must do if you’re looking to grow your cleaning business.

Why? Because you get the opportunity to hang around other successful people and learn from experts while you’re there. AND, you’ll not only get a host of new ideas and inspiration, you’ll also start to operate on a new level (and probably make some great industry friends and contacts while you’re there).

So that’s our focus today – getting inspired, and making a decision to take action and book an event to attend…

Before we dive in though, I wanted to share something that happened to me a couple of weeks ago while I was at an event. .

My husband Hamish and I attended a 2 day marketing conference event in San Diego, CA and as with most events, there were various networking opportunities where you could informally meet other business owners and entrepreneurs.

It was a great event and a lot of fun..

But there was something that happened while we were there that I wanted to share with you, because I know you don’t want to make this mistake.

So, there we were at the first “official” event the night before the conference actually began. Three hundred and fifty business owners and entrepreneurs in this lovely hotel, all asking *kind of* the same question to each other…

“So… what business are you in”?

And you can imagine, some people in the room were powerhouses of the “elevator pitch”, while others just shared what they actually did.

It was great…

Until, we met let’s just call him “Jason”.

Now Jason, was from Alabama, and he was in a bricks and mortar business. And “Jason” was kind of a big deal. He regaled us with stories of the different cleaning businesses he’d hired (and fired) over the years, and each sounded worse than the previous. And then he said:

“So tell me, why would you fly all this way to go to a conference – how could being here help your business when all you do is clean”?

Um… whaaaaaaaaat?

For the record, I put him straight right away… but, his comment made me think about you guys. And to be honest, I rarely meet many other cleaning business owners at events I go to (and I go to a lot of conferences each year).

So where are you, and what conferences ARE you attending?

Is it because you believe what “Jason” thinks is true (and I really hope that’s not the case)… because in the cleaning industry we need to stay up to date. Things have changed (big time) and as business owners, it’s important to stay connected and keep learning.

I’m about to fly back to the US in a couple of days (yes, that’s right. I’ve flown to the US twice in the past month from Australia)

Why?

Because if you’re not continuously working on educating yourself and staying connected by attending cleaning industry events, you and your business may find you’re being out-marketed by your competitors, and you’re using outdated methods that have stopped working.

Have you ever wondered why what worked a few years ago, now is a lot less effective?

It’s because things in our business are changing all the time…

That’s why I head to conferences like the Infusionsoft’s annual user event, ICON every year in Phoenix, AZ. Even if you aren’t an Infusionsoft customer, this event is THE event for small business – because of the amazing speakers, and the educational content alone it’s worth the trip.

And full disclosure here – it was at this event that our very own cleaning business, Cleancorp, won the Small Business ICON Award in front of 3000+ business owners (you can check that out here.)

And I really LOVE attending this event – but even if we didn’t have automation, this is a cool event to learn great sales and marketing principles from..

So, want to know what other events you should be putting on your calendar?

Here’s a few more that you should definitely aim to attend:

So “Jason”, let me put you straight on this…

Cleaning isn’t just cleaning. It’s a thriving business full of dedicated and hardworking business owners and entrepreneurs who see the value in investing in their own education, and offering 21st century solutions to their customers.

I’d love to hear from you – what conferences are you planning on attending this year? Leave me a message below, and who knows, I just might see you there… 🙂

“People don’t resist change, they resist being changed”. Peter Senge

Lisa x

………………………………………………………………………………………………

First time to our blog…? Welcome, it’s great to have you here 🙂 Want to know more about us – check us out here.

Cleaning Marketer works exclusively with cleaning businesses to help them attract more prospects, make more sales, and keep their clients longer.

PS A FREE REPORT FOR YOU: “How To Get Cleaning Clients Even If You’re Brand New To The Cleaning Industry”

I was on an interview recently, and asked what my top 3 Secrets To Grow Your Cleaning Business in 2017 were (you can checkout that interview I did with Joshua Latimer here) and I thought…hmmm

“That would make a great post for this week….”

because as we get into the year, the better equipped we are with information, the better our year will be right?

So, let’s start off with our customers… and making sales because..

Sales are 100% of Profit

..Sales are 100% of profit

But to get a sale, we have to attract a prospect, and then do a great job and turn them into customers, and then KEEP THEM (which is where a lot of cleaning businesses come undone.

Keeping customers can be HARD

Some customers aren’t shy at all about expressing their opinions. They know they’re paying for a cleaning service and they aren’t afraid to communicate exactly what they want and need.

But then there are others who may be hesitant, unconfident, or at least less forthright with you for dozens of reasons. But the hesitant ones could be the ideal customers, the loyal ones that want your services for years to come. They just need to confirm that you’re the right fit. To unlock this information, you need to know what they’re not saying.

Throughout my years in the cleaning industry, I’ve gathered up the most essential ways to reassure current and potential clients so that your business will be booming. And stay that way…

Here’s what you really need to know:

# 1. They’re dying to figure out how you’ll be different.

You know, different from the previous cleaning service that clearly didn’t work out (because otherwise they wouldn’t have called you). The way to not only reassure them but to actually stand out is by asking them this very simple question (learned from the indomitable Skip Miller)..

What’s causing you to change your cleaning service?

And then be quiet. This is their turn to speak! And, they’ll tell you all the things that they haven’t been happy about – which is valuable information for you, because these things are their ‘hot buttons’….

When you know your prospects ‘hot buttons’ you can tailor-make your proposal like a laser guided missile to it’s target – because you’re offering them targeted solutions to their (already existing) problems.

And no-one else will be doing that, (trust me, most cleaning business sales people just talk about themselves and their company incessantly) instead of talking about solutions to their prospects problems…

…Which is how you win your prospects’ trust..

The ‘ol one two’

And if you want to give them the ‘ol one-two punch’ then hit them with this next question (courtesy of the lovely Angela Brown Oberer…)

How will you know your home or office is really clean?

And guess what? This question will tell you EXACTLY the areas that they ‘see’… That is, the areas that are more visible to them than others.

Meaning (insert drumroll here…)

You can focus on those areas and know in advance, that your shiny new customer will see it, and appreciate it…..and stay with you longer..

It’s simple, but crucial for client retention.

# 2. They want to know how you hire and screen your employees.

What is DIFFERENT about your employees and team?

If you have a special “5 step on-boarding process” that includes some cool new ideas for bringing on efficient team members with a great eye for detail – shout it from the rooftops! (And if you don’t -2017 is the year you need to get your talent acquisition strategy as strong as your customer acquisition strategy).

Remember, your job is to be as DIFFERENT as you can from your competitors, otherwise, you’ll end up competing on price because your prospects won’t be able to make a clear distinction between your services and your competitors, so they’ll go with the lowest common denominator – THEPRICE

# 3. They want to know how long you’ve been in business (and whether you have the proper credentials).

At the beginning of a new prospect relationship, this is simply not the most important thing to your prospect.

Why?

Because you’re not ‘there’ yet (and by ‘there’ I mean, on their mental short-list for the job).

They’re just checking you out… Just think of this as your first date… The time when you bring out “funny, charming you” who’s super interested in everything they have to say….

That my friends, is what a first date is all about…

You’ve Got To Date Your Prospects Before You Ask Them to “Marry” You….

Of course the whole licensed-bonded-insured thing is a great form of outward-facing credibility to the people who matter. How many years of experience your company has is also very telling. These clues speak to your legitimacy and trustworthiness.

And these things ARE important.

It’s just that going on and on about it at the first appointment is just going to bore your prospect to death because, THEY DON’T CARE YET..

But they will.

# 4.They want to know exactly what will be covered.

Whether you use a checklist, talk over problem areas or ask for a list of specifications, clients want reassurance that your team will do a much more thorough job than they’d do themselves if they had the time. That your team will take the time to tackle the areas that matter most (remember, this where you should be talking about those ‘hot buttons’). This should be part of the on-boarding process.

# 5 They want to know what happens if they’re less than pleased with the results.

Nooooooooo….. I just put that point in to mess with you!

Because you, the cleaning industry professional, are going to grow your cleaning business by beginning this relationship positioned as an expert. And you’re going to set your client’s expectations correctly right from the word go.

How would this sound in a real sales appointment? Something like this:

“John/Sarah, as a business, my team and I strive and work towards excellence, however, as with everything in life, it’s impossible to get a perfect score or 100/100 every single day.

Wouldn’t you agree John/Sarah?

So with that in mind, I’m going to be calling/emailing/dropping by on a weekly/monthly/quarterly basis and asking you – ‘are we meeting all of your needs’?

If you feel there’s even a small improvement that could be made, would you do me a favor?

‘Sure..’

Would you let me know before it becomes an issue so we can make any ‘course corrections’ needed, so you can have the service you signed up for, and my team and I can proudly call you our customer for many years to come?

Try this strategy… by getting your customers’ help right from the beginning, it sets up the whole shiny-new relationship on the right footing…

Why?

Because they’re worried about trusting you (they’ve been let down before, remember).

And you’re worried about asking them because you may be afraid those questions will open a can of worms. That’s always a possible outcome, but what’s more likely is that your team’s services will improve, you’ll learn a lot about what makes people lifelong customers AND your business will flourish because you weren’t afraid to ask.

So there you have it… how to grow your cleaning business by knowing what some of the thoughts are that are typically in the back of prospects’ and customers’ minds (but aren’t always addressed out of fear), AND knowing some of the right questions you can be asking to relax your prospect.

What do you think? I would love you to share some of your own experiences. Do you have another ‘top-secret’ question that your prospects ask? Leave me a message in the comments below and share your thoughts – I promise, I read and reply to every message..

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter Drucker

Lisa x

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First time to our blog…? Welcome, it’s great to have you here 🙂 Want to know more about us – check us out here.

Cleaning Marketer works exclusively with cleaning businesses to help them attract more prospects, make more sales, and keep their clients longer.

Want fast business growth? Register for the next Cleaning Business School – Fast Growth Ideas for Cleaning Businesses who want to attract more prospects, make more sales and keep their clients longer.

Prefer a live event in either San Diego or New York City in 2017? Get inspired, empowered and take your market by storm. Book now

PS A FREE REPORT FOR YOU: “How To Get Cleaning Clients Even If You’re Brand New To The Cleaning Industry”

Have you ever wondered how to change your cleaning business into a success, even though you know you’ve made some mistakes…?

If you’re anything like most people, you may scroll through your Facebook or Linked In newsfeed and marvel at how amazing and successful everyone is – all the good news they share, the awards, the accolades, the adulation…

Do you ever think about the other option?

What would it look like if your feed was full of bad news, bad decisions, things that didn’t work, awards that they didn’t win…

I was wondering about this myself the other day, and thinking

“Wouldn’t it be cool to learn from other peoples’ mistakes sometimes?”

So, I’m going to share something I’ve NEVER shared with my community before – because this was definitely a mistake…

A big, fat, embarrassing failure.

Back in 2008/09 my husband’s cleaning company, Cleancorp, was starting to do really well, and I thought to myself… well if we’re ‘cleaning up’ (pardon the pun) on Google with one company, imagine how well we’d go if we had 2 cleaning companies on the first page of Google…

My big, fat failure, The White Lotus Team…

It had to be different of course. Look and sound different, and of course have a different service offering – so after months and months of work, building the website, writing the content and finding just the “right” images (not to mention the considerable expense), The White Lotus Team was born.

This cleaning business was focused on providing green cleaning and (of all things) feng shui services – I wanted to provide services that I thought would make us SO DIFFERENT that no-one would be able to match our offering (I know, right… WHAT ON EARTH was I thinking?!!!).

So, we promoted it with Google Adwords campaigns, and got a big fat zero – week after week. Sure people were hitting the page, but there just weren’t any conversions – you see, I hadn’t gone out to the market and done what I should have done:

A TON OF RESEARCH

Months went by, and I stubbornly tweaked, the copy on the website, changed the images, updated the ads – and literally by this time, had ONLY 2 customers – who incidentally didn’t give a ‘fig’ about the feng shui services, they just wanted a clean office…

Meanwhile, we were still spending a lot of money on Google Adwords. Our ROI (If I’d had the courage to measure it back then…) would have been definitely on the ‘minus’ scale.

And as any small business owner can attest, you’d just can’t afford to waste money – sometimes, you’ve just got to face the truth.

My day of truth came – it was hard, and I felt like a complete failure, but I had to close The White Lotus Team down… ironically, not that much to close, because we only had 2 clients, which we switched to our other (successful) cleaning business :)…

So today’s blog video is for cleaning business owners who have experienced a failure, a disappointment, or perhaps an unfortunate discovery in your cleaning business. You need to watch this video, and once you have, I’d love to hear your feedback. What have you done that you wish you hadn’t in your cleaning business? What are you doing better today than you’ve ever done before..? Leave me your comments below and I promise I read and reply to every one.

Ok, so now you have my confession…. 🙂

Ready to hear what we need to do to recover from our mistakes, and what may be holding you back right now, from success? Here’s how to change your cleaning business.

P.S. If you’re serious about business growth, come join us at Cleaning Marketer – a community where cleaning business owners gain access to information that attracts prospects, makes sales and keeps top clients on their roster. Need a few quick ideas to get you started?

Okay, so maybe 2016 was a year you’d rather forget in your cleaning business.

When you look back and reflect on the year that was, you feel like your cleaning business just ‘stood still’, sure you managed to grow a little here and there, but it was tough, and you’ve made a promise to yourself that….

….2017 is going to be different.

Why?

Because you can’t do another year like last year (or the year before…)..

Listen to me.

You’re a cleaning business entrepreneur in a relentless search for business success, profit and time freedom.

DO NOT GIVE IN.

You are a producer. You create.

You, the cleaning business owner, take the risks, you lose the sleep, you give up family time in pursuit of growing your enterprise, you suffer disappointment and loss when things inevitably go wrong, you endure the scorn and ridicule of others who are too afraid to take the chances you’re willing to take.

Too afraid to create what you create. Too afraid to build what you build.

You accept 100% of risk, pain, worry, toil and WORK.

Yet, you SHARE in the rewards.

You create jobs. You pay the most taxes. You provide services that HELP people.

Without you, the machine stops.

YOU. ARE. ATLAS

Like Cleaning Business Owners, Atlas Has The World On His Shoulders

WE NEED YOU. DO NOT GIVE IN.

Lisa xx

Here’s How to Get New Cleaning Clients

Tip # 1 – Know your ideal client.

It sounds simple, but identifying the types of clients you prefer to work with is the first step. Because the best client is a recurring one, your target audience should consist of the people who continually rely on your services. Try to be as specific as possible when identifying your ideal client profile. What careers do they have? What neighbourhoods do they live in? What social media sites are they on and where do they hang out so you can find them?

PRO TIP: If you’re reading this thinking “I can clean for anyone” – you’ll miss the mark. Get laser-like focus on who your best client is – and then get your messaging to be addressing their problems, frustrations and concerns – when you do that, they’ll feel like you’re talking to them, you understand them. And that, immediately makes you much more attractive to them…

Tip # 2 – Develop a marketing plan.

Speaking of social media, having an online presence these days is more crucial than ever. Keep your website and social channels up to date. Clearly state what services you cover on all promotional materials to reduce any confusion in advance, and remember that every time you’re putting something up on social media – have your ideal client in mind.

Would they be interested in that photo of a dirty bathroom (my guess is probably not…), but if they were a business, maybe they’d be interested in something related to their business, or a problem an Office Manager might come across during their day – see how that’s different?

PRO-TIP Get a blog happening on your website, start posting regularly, get out there and target your audience!!

Tip # 3 – Remember your current relationships are a jumping off point.

Ask for referrals from current clients that you like doing business with. Chances are, they have similar friends, colleagues, family or other business owners in need of what you provide.

PRO TIP: Make sure you have a system for referral-getting, don’t just use the “hope” marketing strategy for this…. Referrals are an AWESOME way for you to build great relationships with your existing customers (remember to always recognize and thank people for referring you), AND, build your business with more of your Ideal Clients

Tip # 4 – Build credibility and your network.

What’s your strategy for getting regular testimonials (is that crickets I can hear…?)

In the cleaning business, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

ASK!

And make it easy for them to give you a testimonial. If you send them an email, put in a link to your Facebook page or Linked In, so they don’t have to find it themselves – remember that in the 21st century we now have an attention span of 8.2 seconds.

<<<— Same as this goldfish

So, you have to do all the ‘leg-work’ – make it easy, ask for just 1 or 2 lines, and then, are you ready for this huge piece of advice????

SHARE THAT TESTIMONIAL EVERYWHERE – AND OFTEN

PRO TIP: Are you being a good referrer? If you have business clients, try and make a conscious effort to understand their business, and look for opportunities you can help and promote them to your friends, family and network. You will be AMAZED at how this one strategy will help you build enormous goodwill with your customers.

The final piece of advice may be the most revolutionary. Stay with me. Are you ready?

Tip # 5 – Raise your prices.

It may sound crazy, but sometimes reaching those top tier clients means knowing when to charge more. Obviously make sure that your prices are consistent with the results they can expect first.

Tip # 6 – Articulate your VALUE PROPOSITION

What are you bringing to them that is of value? What are your benefits? HINT: It isn’t that you’ve been in business since the dark ages, it isn’t because you’re a husband and wife team, it isn’t because you have great training, it isn’t about you at all.

IT IS ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS ABOUT THEM

Both features and benefits sell. But consider this… no-one cares about how you’re going to do the cleaning, they just want a clean home or business.

So focus the emphasis on the benefits. The benefits close the sale. Why? Because most people buy on emotions. Benefits help bring out emotions in your prospects and then they justify their buying decision using logic.

Bottom line: Clients willing to pay more are the ones who appreciate value & quality – and it’s your job as a cleaning business owner to demonstrate that to them.

Remember, if you charge more, and can clearly outline the VALUE and BENEFITS that your business will bring to their lives, people will perceive you as more valuable, and will be prepared and willing to pay more for your services..

So, What’s your 2017 going to be like? If you’re tired of struggling and going-it-alone, ask yourself this one question:

Are You Ready to Systemize & Streamline Your CleaningBusiness in Just 8–Weeks? Learn how to streamline and simplify your cleaning business as well as how to sell and market your business so you can get your LIFE BACK. … If you‘re committed and ready to make a serious change in your life and your business, then Cleaning Business School is exactly where you need to be.

8 x Weekly Video modules, blueprints, checklists, cheat sheets and scripts delivered in an easy-to-understand step-by-step system, PLUS a weekly LIVE GROUP VIDEO CALL with me, where we get to work on your business, so that 2017 can be your best year yet.

“The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention….” Rachel Naomi Remen

Lisa x

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First time to our blog…? Welcome, it’s great to have you here 🙂 Want to know more about us – check us out here.

Cleaning Marketer works exclusively with cleaning businesses to help them attract more prospects, make more sales, and keep their clients longer.

Want fast business growth? Register for the next Cleaning Business School (Starting Jan 2017) – 8 Weeks of Fast Growth Ideas for Cleaning Businesses who want to attract more prospects, make more sales and keep their clients longer.

PS A FREE REPORT FOR YOU: “How To Get Cleaning Clients Even If You’re Brand New To The Cleaning Industry”

The 10 Best Podcasts & Resources for Cleaning Business Owners

When I was starting out in the cleaning business, all I wanted to do was find other (more successful) cleaning business owners…. it would have been awesome to have had a list of the 10 best podcasts and resources for cleaning business owners back then -:)

I dreamed of hanging out with them… talking about new ideas to attract customers or staff, or just to have a sounding board when I was unsure of something…

It can be really lonely being a cleaning business owner….

My friends weren’t overly entrepreneurial (and a lot weren’t business owners), so they just couldn’t relate to some of the daily issues I was going through as a cleaning business owner. They thought I was crazy to be working so hard in my business….

I needed to find people who ‘got’ me and who I could learn off ….

People who had been where I was, down in the trenches, who had actually grown a cleaning business beyond just a “hobby” and weren’t doing things the old fashioned way…

Photo Credit: Nirzar Pangarkar

I wanted to learn new stuff…

None of the so-called “Gurus” ever talked about cleaning businesses – so I was left to figure things out the long way (read: the hard way)…

I became absolutely driven to learn more about the cleaning industry – and yes, if I’m honest, it became kind of an obsession..

I wanted to understand every possible way that I could make a bigger impact with our customers and our staff.

AND YOU SHOULD TOO……

You see as Cleaning Business Owners, you’re problem solvers and relationship builders.

The thing is though, you’re busy “being” that – right? If you’re like most cleaning business owners, every day you’re facing a different set of challenges.

You know you should be “doing” social media, but have absolutely no idea where to start right? (HINT: Click Here to learn that)

You’d probably love to have a quick “go-to” list of podcasts and resources specifically for cleaning business owners right? How about a community you could interact with?

So, I curated this cool list for you – in it you’ll find some of the finest podcasts, resources and thought leadership on the cleaning industry, and my prediction:

The cleaning business owners who become “experts” in their area, win. They win better staff and better customers.

And look, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed; it’s quick and easy to press play on a podcast during your morning commute or scan a quick article while your lunch is heating up. And we’ve made it even easier by curating a list of the most crucial ways to stay in-the-know.

The following resources are in no particular order of importance –so whether you like to read, watch or listen to information here goes – just make it your mission to start somewhere!

Here’s Our Top 10 List:

The Quick Talk Podcast hosted by Josh Latimer is dedicated to helping business owners succeed. This episode divulges how to get more cleaning clients and grow quickly with a Power Followup Planning Checklist. New talks are posted every Tuesday and Friday.

Savvy Cleaner is a site dedicated to providing training and certifications for house cleaners. With tips and training services, you’ll be confident that your team is delivering high quality cleaning to your clients.

The first news and information source dedicated solely to the cleaning industry, Cleaning Business Today lists tools, techniques, industry best practices and tricks of the trade in a streamlined environment.

INCLEAN Magazine offers up the latest news and events so you can always be at the forefront of the cleaning community. This is both a print and digital magazine that sends out regular email newsletters as well, so it covers all the bases.

If you believe better communication resolves many of the major challenges in your line of work, Swept’s blog (and their incredible software) may be right for you. Swept is devoted to showing owners how to get the most out of their employees with software that assists with time tracking, scheduling, reporting, instructions and supplies, so you can focus on the bigger picture, (and they just happen to write a killer blog) -:)

Though not directly related to the cleaning business, The Tim Ferriss Show is an incredibly insightful podcast for expanding your reach. Voted iTunes’ Best of 2014 and Best of 2015, this guy knows how to draw the celebrity guests, but more importantly, how to reveal unique bits of business wisdom you can’t find anywhere else.

From dealing with cleaning services to cash flow, the Grow My Cleaning Company podcast covers it. Hosted by Mike Campion you can subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher so you never miss an episode, no matter your schedule

The Cleaning Business Forum on Facebook states that “all cleaning business owners are welcome” to join this group. Focused on giving and receiving advice from fellow owners, this is truly a grassroots way to stay involved and learn from others.

Cleaning Owners is another Facebook group you can join that asks the tough questions while dispensing regular encouragement. This group is especially recommended for those just starting out.

UPDATE:

After feedback from my community, it looks like # 9 isn’t a very active Facebook Group – so if you’re in the Maid Service space, go check out the ZenMaid Group on Facebook…

Of course, you’re here on our very own information platform – the Cleaning Marketer Blog and we’re completely focused on helping you achieve your entrepreneurial goals, and shorten your learning curve in the cleaning business.

So be sure to stay connected with us as we cover everything a modern cleaning business owner needs to know – sales and marketing, systems and processes (that actually work for cleaning businesses), how to hire (and sometimes, fire) staff, social media, and the list goes on and on…

In fact. Could you do me a favour?

If there’s an area within your cleaning business where you need help, and you’d like me to either do a video or a blog article on it (or even a free webinar) – I’d be happy to, because chances are it will help you and it will probably help others too….

So, leave a message in the comments section below outlining what you’d like me to cover for you – I read and reply to every message…

Hopefully you’ll find these resources beneficial to your cleaning business. Owning a business is challenging, and you don’t have to feel alone when navigating the murkiness of hiring, managing, meeting service expectations and increasing margins. There are people out there like you who are experiencing similar situations and are making it work for them.

If you’re serious about business growth, come join us at Cleaning Marketer – a community where cleaning business owners gain access to information that attracts prospects, makes sales and keeps top clients on their roster. Need a few quick ideas to get you started?

“Merely surviving is not the same as truly thriving”. William C Taylor

Lisa x

………………………………………………………………………………………………

First time to our blog…? Welcome, it’s great to have you here 🙂 Want to know more about us – check us out here.

Cleaning Marketer works exclusively with cleaning businesses to help them attract more prospects, make more sales, and keep their clients longer.

Want fast business growth? Register for the next Cleaning Business School (Starting Jan 2017) – 8 Weeks of Fast Growth Ideas for Cleaning Businesses who want to attract more prospects, make more sales and keep their clients longer.

Prefer a live event in either San Diego or New York City in 2017? Get inspired, empowered and take your market by storm. Book now

PS A FREE REPORT FOR YOU: “How To Get Cleaning Clients Even If You’re Brand New To The Cleaning Industry”